A soldier returns to the United States from active duty in a combat zone. The soldier is diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The nurse's highest priority is to screen this soldier for which problem?
Schizophrenia
Major depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Dementia
The Correct Answer is B
A. While both schizophrenia and PTSD are mental health disorders, the priority in this context for a soldier with a history of combat exposure is to screen for conditions that commonly arise from traumatic experiences, such as PTSD and major depressive disorder.
B. PTSD and major depressive disorder can often co-occur, especially in individuals exposed to trauma. Given the soldier's history of combat exposure and PTSD diagnosis, screening for major depressive disorder is crucial due to its frequent association with PTSD and its potential severity.
C. Bipolar disorder may share some symptoms with PTSD, but given the context of returning from combat and the diagnosis of PTSD, the priority would be to focus on screening for
conditions more directly linked to trauma.
D. Dementia is less likely to be directly related to combat exposure in a returning soldier. While it's essential to assess the soldier's overall mental health, the immediate concern in this scenario would be mental health conditions more commonly associated with trauma.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While both schizophrenia and PTSD are mental health disorders, the priority in this context for a soldier with a history of combat exposure is to screen for conditions that commonly arise from traumatic experiences, such as PTSD and major depressive disorder.
B. PTSD and major depressive disorder can often co-occur, especially in individuals exposed to trauma. Given the soldier's history of combat exposure and PTSD diagnosis, screening for major depressive disorder is crucial due to its frequent association with PTSD and its potential severity.
C. Bipolar disorder may share some symptoms with PTSD, but given the context of returning from combat and the diagnosis of PTSD, the priority would be to focus on screening for
conditions more directly linked to trauma.
D. Dementia is less likely to be directly related to combat exposure in a returning soldier. While it's essential to assess the soldier's overall mental health, the immediate concern in this scenario would be mental health conditions more commonly associated with trauma.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Being an immigrant from a war-torn country is a risk factor but not an immediate priority based on the information provided.
B. While being diagnosed with HIV poses mental health risks, there's no immediate suicidal attempt or ideation described in the scenario.
C. Repeated assaults are traumatic, but there's no indication of immediate suicidal risk.
D. The teenager recovering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound indicates an immediate and recent attempt at suicide, making them the highest priority for monitoring and intervention.
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